Shelby tube soil samples, sealed and labeled by boring and depth, in CTL's lab

Geotechnical
Engineering

Subsurface intelligence that drives sound design decisions.

Houston-based Coastal Testing Laboratories provides comprehensive Geotechnical Engineering services for developers, builders, and municipalities across Southeast Texas.

Request a Quote Call (713) 477-0121

Core Geotechnical Services

Subsurface ExplorationTest borings, SPT and Shelby tube sampling, and test pits.

Groundwater EvaluationWater level readings, monitoring wells, and piezometer installation.

Geotechnical Laboratory TestingClassification, moisture and density, Atterberg limits, consolidation, Proctor, CBR, and shear strength.

Geotechnical Engineering AnalysisBearing capacity, settlement, shrink-swell soils, seismic site class, and slope stability.

Foundation Design RecommendationsShallow foundations (footings, mats) and deep foundations (piles, drilled shafts, ACIP).

Pavement DesignFlexible and rigid pavement sections based on subgrade data.

Ground Improvement RecommendationsLime and cement stabilization, and undercut and replacement.

Segmental Retaining Wall DesignAllan Block, Siena Stone, Magnum Stone, and Redi-Rock block walls.

Construction-Phase ServicesFoundation bearing evaluations, pile driving monitoring (PDA), and earthwork observation.

How We Deliver

From the first boring to the sealed report.

0 ft15 ft30 ft

0 ft

Step 01 · 0–15 ft

Subsurface Exploration

CTL conducts geotechnical subsurface investigations using in-house drilling crews and a fleet of truck-mounted drilling rigs and an all-terrain buggy rig. Prior to drilling, CTL reviews available geologic and groundwater information and applies local experience to plan the exploration and select appropriate drilling methods.

Test BoringsSPT and Shelby tube sampling for accurate strata logging.

Test PitsShallow excavations for direct observation of soils.

Groundwater EvaluationWater level readings and monitoring wells.

Piezometer InstallationOngoing groundwater level monitoring.

Step 02 · 15–30 ft

Laboratory Testing

Samples are tested in our A2LA-accredited in-house laboratory to characterize material properties and provide the data behind every engineering evaluation, design, and construction decision.

Soil ClassificationMoisture and density, and Atterberg limits.

ConsolidationHow soils settle under load over time.

Proctor & CBRCompaction characteristics and subgrade strength.

Shear StrengthUnconfined compression, direct shear, and triaxial (UU and CU).

Step 03 · 30–45 ft

Engineering & Construction Support

Engineering reports are prepared by experienced engineers from our own field and laboratory data, with project-specific recommendations for design. We stay available through construction to lend our expertise.

Engineering AnalysisBearing capacity, settlement, shrink-swell, seismic site class, and slope stability.

Foundation DesignShallow (footings, mats) and deep (piles, drilled shafts, ACIP).

Pavement & Ground ImprovementFlexible and rigid sections; lime and cement stabilization, undercut and replacement.

Retaining Wall DesignSegmental block walls, including Allan Block and Redi-Rock.

Construction-Phase ServicesBearing evaluations, pile driving monitoring (PDA), and earthwork observation.

Sealed Engineer ReportsComprehensive reporting for permitting and construction.

Typical project schedule

From first boring to sealed report in two weeks.

0days, field
to report

Phase

Week 1

Week 2

1234567891011121314

01Field explorationDays 1–3

02Laboratory testingDays 3–10

03Engineering analysisDays 8–13

04Sealed report deliveredDay 14

Illustrative schedule for a typical project. Actual durations depend on scope, boring count and site conditions.

Trusted by Houston's builders and industry

Why Choose CTL

One team, start to finish. Six decades of getting it right.

60+years

Six decades on the Gulf Coast

Trusted across Houston and Southeast Texas for accurate subsurface data and dependable field services.

1team

Every step owned in-house

From drilling to lab testing to engineering, nothing gets lost between subcontractors.

A2LAaccredited lab

Data you can build on

An accredited lab and PE-sealed reports mean your data holds up in the field, in the lab, and in the report.

2weeks or less

Stamped report turnaround

On most projects, we deliver your stamped geotechnical report within two weeks or less.

Accredited & Certified

A2LA Accredited

MBE Certified

ISNetworld Prequalified

DBE Certified

Ready to scope your geotechnical investigation?

Send us your site plan and schedule, and we’ll put together a proposal for the field work, lab testing and report.